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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Italy
Intro to Italy
 Abruzzo/MoliseCampania Lazio Tuscany
Extensions:
Wine Route in Tyrol
France
Spain
Portugal
Europe Overview
Add Ons:
Hiking
Cycling
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Western Riding in Tuscany - Center Based Star Ride Option
Tuscany
Italy
At only half an hour from Florence in the midst of the Tuscany countryside - olives, vines and woods surrounding ancient farms, villas, towers and castles. This riding center offers horse lovers a change to stay in a typical stone farmhouse with Tuscan charm and atmosphere. It is surrounded by green pastures and beautiful olive groves, from which we make our own olive oil.
You will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at the riding center, our Italian cuisine and most of all of our forward-going and well-schooled horses: many people come again and again.
A riding program will be available to suit your every requirement. It is possible to ride in both the morning and the afternoon, choosing between lessons and one or two-hour rides out in the countryside. Lessons and rides are arranged according to the experience and preparation of the rider so that everybody can get the most out of the experience. You can also request to add on more ride time. The days' timetable is based around the care of the 35 horses, who have been schooled at the riding center in Western style. Your guide and his horses will lead you through the Tuscan countryside - its varied terrain being suited perfectly to both horses and their riders, providing the best work out for the Western horse and spiritual tonic for the riders.
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Center-based ride
Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Pontassieve
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Airport:
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Florence
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Transfer:
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Pontassieve train station, Florence Airport or Pisa Airport
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
18 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2019
Rates include*:
7 nights accommodations at the riding center in private double occupancy rooms but with shared bathrooms, all meals with table wine, 6 horse riding days (total of 18 or 12 hours depending on chosen package)
| A | 2019 | 8 day trip, AP 18 riding hrs (high) | 8d / 7n | €815 | $980 |
| B | 2019 | 8 day trip, AP 18 riding hrs (low) | 8d / 7n | €790 | $950 |
| C | 2019 | 8 day trip, AP 12 riding hrs (high) | 8d / 7n | €710 | $855 |
| D | 2019 | 8 day trip, AP 12 riding hrs (low) | 8d / 7n | €685 | $825 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2019
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Transfer from Pontassieve train station, with return (rate per person)
- to be paid locally
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€
45
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$55
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2019
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Private taxi transfer from Florence airport (please inquire for rates)
- to be paid locally
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€
0
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$0
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2019
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Private taxi transfer from Pisa airport (please inquire for rates)
- to be paid locally
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€
0
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$0
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2019
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Tourist tax, pp
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€
6
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$10
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2019
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Non-rider, dbl, pp (low season)
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€
530
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$635
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2019
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Non-rider, dbl, pp (high season)
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€
555
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$665
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2019
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Discount for room division (3-4 people per room)
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€
-60
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$-75
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2019
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Single supplement
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€
200
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$240
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Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Pontassieve station (Florence-Arezzo-Rome line), Florence Airport (FLR), or Pisa International Airport (PSA).
Tour Dates for 2019
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| B |
2019
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03/23
- 04/12
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP 18 riding hrs...
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1
/18
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Reserve
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| A |
2019
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04/13
- 04/26
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP 18 riding hrs...
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1
/18
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Reserve
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| B |
2019
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04/27
- 05/17
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP 18 riding hrs...
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1
/18
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Reserve
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| A |
2019
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05/18
- 09/20
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP 18 riding hrs...
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1
/18
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Reserve
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| B |
2019
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09/21
- 01/11
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP 18 riding hrs...
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1
/18
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Reserve
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every Saturday-Saturday
Sold out dates: April 13 to May 4, May 25 to June 1, June 8 to 15 & July 27 to August 10
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Riding Lessons
- Riding lessons for all levels: from beginners to experienced riders.
- Lessons are organised according to the level of each rider.
- Our riding style combines classic riding techniques with western and trekking style
- We have a large outdoor school: 35x75 m: sand, well drained. Our arena is a "panorama viewpoint" overlooking the valley.
- Riding lessons conducted in English, German and Italian are organised according to experience
- Our aim is to allow you to discover Tuscany in the most enjoyable way.
- Over one week in Vallebona beginners will learn to develop a good seat on the horse and be able to control it in walk, trot (sitting and rising) and canter
The first lesson in Vallebona is an introduction to our style of riding, which combines English, western and trekking techniques and styles. The horse training is Western Californian used mainly in Western Pleasure and Trekking – with one or two hands, with the knowledge of new training techniques Parrelli / Andersen.
The instructors carry out the lessons on horseback so that they can constantly demonstrate and assist the riders.
Thanks to the trustworthiness and experience of our horses, even absolute beginners can ride out on a hack in the countryside after their first hour's lesson.
In the large arena beginners' lessons start with work on posture and balance, in walk, controlling the horse with one and two hands, before going on to changing direction and breaking into trot on demand.
For riders with a bit more experience we analyze the various methods of controlling the reins (direct, open, neck and indirect reins) and the effect each of these has on the horse (stop, change of direction, turn on the forehand, lateral steps, roll back), applying them to the different paces of walk, trot and canter.
Hacking
- The countryside around Vallebona is varied and spectacular, the rides are very different like riding through olive groves and vineyards or climbing up the hills with forest of cypresses and pines, cantering along the river.
- The pace is adapted to the trails: moderate in general, with trot, canters and gallops when possible.
- We supply riding helmets. For your safety, we recommend to ride with a helmet. Riders under 18 will not be allowed to ride without wearing a helmet.
At Vallebona it is possible to ride both in the morning and afternoon, choosing between lessons and one or two hour rides out in the countryside. Lessons and rides are arranged according to the experience and preparation of the riders so that everybody can get the most out of the experience.
There are many different rides, as the surrounding countryside is also vast and varied, and they can be adapted to suit all levels.
From Vallebona you can explore the surrounding parts on all sides, through vineyards and olive groves climbing up rolling hills, descending down to the river, or galloping up to the village Rufina, famous in the world of Chianti wine.
Meeting:
Pontassieve
Airport:
Florence
Train station:
Pontassieve
Transfer:
Pontassieve train station, Florence Airport or Pisa Airport
Distance:
42km / 26 miles
Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Pontassieve station (Florence-Arezzo-Rome line), Florence Airport (FLR), or Pisa International Airport (PSA).
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Tack:
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Western (English saddle is available)
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Horses:
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Italian breeds (Maremma and Sardinian)
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Pace:
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According to experience
Moderate with trots and canters and gallops when possible
2-3 hours per day with on Friday 4-6 hours
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(1
to
3.5
out of 5) Beginner
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Age:
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Min
10
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Weight:
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Max
90 kg
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
18 riders
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Riding
Lessons and rides are arranged according to the experience and preparation of the riders so that everybody can get the most out of the experience. Riding programs can adjusted.
There are many different rides, as the surrounding countryside is also vast and varied, and they can be adapted to suit all levels. From the farm, you can explore the surrounding parts on all sides, climbing up mount Bardellone for a view of Florence, descending down to the river Sieve, or galloping up to the village Rufina, famous in the world of Chianti wine. You can ride through vineyards and olive groves to reach the little village of Doccia, or simply stop off in one of the celebrate wine cellars of the area to indulge in some local wine-tasting.
On Fridays, we usually organize an all-day ride (4-6 hours in the saddle) with a stop for a picnic somewhere scenic, or lunch at the Castello del Trebbio where you can visit the cellars and taste some wine before riding back to the farm.
There is a large outdoor riding arena (35 meters by 75 meters). The arena is a panoramic viewpoint and overlooks the Val de Sieve. Riding lessons are available in English, German and Italian. The lessons are organizes according to experience.
Tack
Our horses are all trained western style by Franco, although English saddle is also available. During trails, horses are equipped with saddlebags to carry the daily picnic lunch.
Pace
The pace is adapted to the trails. It is moderate in general, with trot, canters and gallops when possible.
Riding Helmet
We supply riding helmets. For your safety, we recommend to ride with a helmet. Riders under 18 will not be allowed to ride without wearing a helmet.
Horses
The well-being and sound preparation of our horses is of prime importance to us. Our horses are all carefully selected by us for their good nature and trekking ability and we have horses suitable for all riding abilities. They are well-balanced because of the natural way of their maintenance, living together outside in herds. The horses are secure on any kind of terrain and well trained for lessons in the arena.
Our stables has 35 horses of different breeds (Maremma, Quarter horse, Sardinian, Anglo-Arab), all of which have been trained or re-trained following the principles of “natural horsemanship” to guarantee maximum physical and psychological condition and reliability.
Our horses are not restricted to lonely stables but live altogether outside in the fields, which allows them to remain healthy, both physically and mentally. Their diet is constantly monitored and their work regime adapted individually according to age and condition.
The same attention is given to the relationship between horses and riders, so as to guarantee each guest the best suited workmate, offering also the possibility of using a variety of horses throughout the holiday. Our riding philosophy is based on mutual respect and confidence between the horses and the riders.
Guides
Trekking groups are accompanied by a guide over the whole journey, and another person that meets the group in the evening with the rucksacks and necessary equipment. A first-aid kit accompanies all trips, but you should not forget personal medicines, for example those for allergies.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passport Note(a) Italy is. more
Florence area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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52
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54
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60
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67
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75
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83
|
89
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89
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81
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70
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59
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52
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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36
|
37
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42
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46
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54
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60
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65
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65
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59
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52
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43
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37
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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11
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12
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16
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19
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24
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28
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32
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32
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27
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21
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15
|
11
|
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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2
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3
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5
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8
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12
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16
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18
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18
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15
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11
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6
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3
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
To avoid the heat, it’s best to visit in spring and autumn. During the peak summer months of July and August, the weather can be very hot, but it still gets cooler in the evenings, as the riding center is located in the mountains. Autumn sees the countryside glow with abundance of wild mushrooms and just-pressed olive oil. The winters are not too chilly with the lowest expected temperatures in the peak of winter being around 0°C / 32°F.
What to bring:
•Riding Hat: A hat is essential for protection from rain and sun. Hard hats are compulsory for under 18's. If possible, take your own or we can lend you one
•Riding Trousers: for the western saddle cow boy jeans are ideal – they are flatly seamed and are particularly long in the leg. Jodhpurs are fine if worn with half chaps.
•Long sleeve tops: Lightweight long sleeve tops protect from the sun and from scratches from branches and undergrowth.
•Footwear: The correct footwear is important for riding. We use light walking boots, high on the ankle, not too big. Ideally, short boots or gym shoes should be worn with half chaps. We do not recommend riding boots with a smooth sole.
•Waterproof jacket
•Ear plugs: can be useful in shared accommodation
•Warm sweater
•Hat: to protect from sun and rain
•Swim costume, suncream, sun glasses
•Insect repellent: recommended in July, August and September
•Ear plugs: can be useful when sharing the room with other people
•a first-aid kit accompanies all trips, but you should not forget personal medicines, for example those for allergies.
•Sensible underwear: be sensible with underwear - dress for comfort. Torch, penknife
•We provide 2 towels - you may need an extra one
•Electricity 220 V, you need an European adaptor
•And don't forget to bring your camera
•Insurance documents: It's important to make sure you are insured for all the activities of your riding holiday. Our insurance pays for damages depending on our acknowledged responsibility of the accident. Payment is authorised following a request for damages to be considered by the insurance company. A personal policy is different in that it always pays you out according to your agreed contract. This is what we advise you to do. Be aware that occasionally personal policies exclude dangerous sports such as riding, but by warning the company you can include it.
•Payment is made on departure by cheque or cash; sorry we can't accept credit cards
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
|
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation
Accommodation is in two- to four-bedded rooms, according to your needs (single rooms available on request). You can choose to share rooms for c. 5 people for a small discount compared to double rooms.
Bathrooms are separate and each one is shared between two bedrooms. There is a maximum of 18 beds available.
The swimming pool is ready: at Camorli 2.5 km. When you are not riding you can relax in the green around the farm or at the pool.
We are at 20 km from the centre of Florence, at ease you can visit one of the most famous art centre in the world (ca. 30 Min. with Transfer/station and train). At 1 hour drive famous cities as Arezzo, San Gimignano, Siena (ca. 1 h with car)
The closest village is Pontassieve - 6 km - with a colourful market on Wednesday morning.
Our farm belongs to the Strade del vino Chianti Rufina: we suggest to visit the cellars with wine tasting in the neighbourhood.
Shopping at outlets with many famous Italian brands, half an hour drive.
Mountain bikes, walks, photograph.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
We all dine together, either indoors or on the terrace, which offers a stunning view of the countryside.
The kitchen offers a vast range of dishes from authentic farmhouse traditions of the region, and our chef is always ready to satisfy any culinary requests from our guests. We plan every meal balancing the different typical recipes and the seasonal genuine ingredients.
The menu is simple and tasty, it is possible to stay half-board, although most of our guests are full-board: we are well known for our great range of pasta recipes, and the tables are never lacking in Olive oil or flasks of Chianti!
Italian breakfast – tea, coffee, milk, fresh bread and butter with various marmalades and honey, yoghurt and muesli
For lunch and dinner we offer a wide variety of authentic Tuscan country cuisine. We plan every meal balancing different recipes and the flavours that the season's products can offer.
We start with 2 different kind of "pasta" such as tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms and rigatoni with black cabbage and potatoes. Then comes meat, like the typical arista - a pork cut - or fried chicken: in the traditional Tuscan way! - accompanied by courgettes and carrots or garlic peppers
Chianti wine, water and extra-virgin olive oil are included in all meals in full board.
Picnic on the Day-ride: our staff bring the food and fresh drinks to your picnic place, such as a cold pasta salad, salami, cheese, vegetables. When the picnic is to be carried in saddlebags we supply the riders with everything they need to carry the picnic on their horse with various salami, cheeses and vegetables. Vegetarians catered for, but please let us know in advance.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Western (English saddle is available)
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|
Horses:
|
|
Italian breeds (Maremma and Sardinian)
|
|
Pace:
|
|
According to experience
Moderate with trots and canters and gallops when possible
2-3 hours per day with on Friday 4-6 hours
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(1
to
3.5
out of 5) Beginner
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Age:
|
|
Min
10
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Weight:
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|
Max
90 kg
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Riders:
|
|
Min
1 riders
|
Max
18 riders
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Riding
Lessons and rides are arranged according to the experience and preparation of the riders so that everybody can get the most out of the experience. Riding programs can adjusted.
There are many different rides, as the surrounding countryside is also vast and varied, and they can be adapted to suit all levels. From the farm, you can explore the surrounding parts on all sides, climbing up mount Bardellone for a view of Florence, descending down to the river Sieve, or galloping up to the village Rufina, famous in the world of Chianti wine. You can ride through vineyards and olive groves to reach the little village of Doccia, or simply stop off in one of the celebrate wine cellars of the area to indulge in some local wine-tasting.
On Fridays, we usually organize an all-day ride (4-6 hours in the saddle) with a stop for a picnic somewhere scenic, or lunch at the Castello del Trebbio where you can visit the cellars and taste some wine before riding back to the farm.
There is a large outdoor riding arena (35 meters by 75 meters). The arena is a panoramic viewpoint and overlooks the Val de Sieve. Riding lessons are available in English, German and Italian. The lessons are organizes according to experience.
Tack
Our horses are all trained western style by Franco, although English saddle is also available. During trails, horses are equipped with saddlebags to carry the daily picnic lunch.
Pace
The pace is adapted to the trails. It is moderate in general, with trot, canters and gallops when possible.
Riding Helmet
We supply riding helmets. For your safety, we recommend to ride with a helmet. Riders under 18 will not be allowed to ride without wearing a helmet.
Horses
The well-being and sound preparation of our horses is of prime importance to us. Our horses are all carefully selected by us for their good nature and trekking ability and we have horses suitable for all riding abilities. They are well-balanced because of the natural way of their maintenance, living together outside in herds. The horses are secure on any kind of terrain and well trained for lessons in the arena.
Our stables has 35 horses of different breeds (Maremma, Quarter horse, Sardinian, Anglo-Arab), all of which have been trained or re-trained following the principles of “natural horsemanship” to guarantee maximum physical and psychological condition and reliability.
Our horses are not restricted to lonely stables but live altogether outside in the fields, which allows them to remain healthy, both physically and mentally. Their diet is constantly monitored and their work regime adapted individually according to age and condition.
The same attention is given to the relationship between horses and riders, so as to guarantee each guest the best suited workmate, offering also the possibility of using a variety of horses throughout the holiday. Our riding philosophy is based on mutual respect and confidence between the horses and the riders.
Guides
Trekking groups are accompanied by a guide over the whole journey, and another person that meets the group in the evening with the rucksacks and necessary equipment. A first-aid kit accompanies all trips, but you should not forget personal medicines, for example those for allergies.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
(a) Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. (b) The regulations stated below also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Western Riding in Tuscany - Center Based Star Ride Option
Tour Code:
IT-ITVAL
8 days /
7 nights
~$980.00
Dates :
March to Jan.
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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